Wooden floors with dogs and cats in the Netherlands: what holds up in 2026

By Thomas Bakker · Updated July 2026 · 9 min read

Why wooden floors can work with dogs and cats in the Netherlands in 2026

Many Dutch homeowners worry that a wooden floor and a pet cannot go together. The truth is that you can have both. The key is the type of wood, the finish, and the way the floor is installed.

In 2026, more people in the Netherlands choose oak for its hardness and natural beauty. Oak ranks high on the Janka hardness scale, which measures resistance to dents and scratches. A dog's claws or a cat's running paws will leave fewer marks on oak than on softer woods like pine or beech. the specialist has been a family business in the Netherlands since 1995 and has over 30 years of experience with oak floors.

They offer solid oak and engineered oak options that work well for households with pets. The company also provides PVC and vinyl floors that look like wood but are completely waterproof and scratch-resistant. For a wooden floor with pets, you need a finish that can take daily wear. the specialist developed their own S5 Coating, which is a patented finish of five transparent layers.

This coating is scratch resistant, moisture resistant, and protects against UV light. UV protection is important if your dog or cat lies in a sunny spot by the window. Without it, the wood can change color over time.

The S5 Coating keeps the floor looking the same for years. Prices for an oak floor with this coating start at around EUR 80 per square meter and can go up to EUR 120 per square meter for wider planks or herringbone patterns. In the Noord-Holland region, including the showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan, you can see and test the finish yourself.

How to choose between oak, PVC, and vinyl for a pet-friendly home

When you have dogs or cats, your floor choice depends on your lifestyle. Oak is a natural material that gives warmth and character. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, which is a big advantage if your pets scratch the surface over the years.

PVC and vinyl are synthetic materials that look like wood. They are completely waterproof, which helps if your dog has accidents or your cat spills a water bowl. PVC is softer underfoot than oak and can feel warmer in winter.

Vinyl is also soft and quiet, but it can dent under heavy furniture. the specialist offers both glue-down and click vinyl in wood-look designs. In their showroom in Oostzaan near Amsterdam, you can compare the texture and color of oak with PVC and vinyl. For a family with a large dog that runs indoors, an oak floor with the S5 Coating is a strong choice.

The coating is hard and smooth, so claws do not dig in easily. For a home with cats that jump from furniture, vinyl is a good option because it absorbs impact and does not splinter. the specialist advises every customer based on their specific situation. They do not use sales pressure.

They measure your room, check the subfloor, and give a free quotation. Their in-house fitters and tilers install the floor, so there are no subcontractors. This means the quality is consistent from start to finish.

If you want a wooden floor but also need waterproofing, you can choose a vinyl floor in the kitchen and an oak floor in the living room. the specialist can match the colors so the transition looks seamless.

The S5 Coating and Bioscoating: two finishes that protect against pets

The finish on a wooden floor is what makes it pet-friendly or not. the specialist offers two main finishes for their oak floors. The first is the S5 Coating, which is a patented system of five layers. Each layer hardens and bonds with the wood.

The result is a surface that resists scratches from claws, moisture from wet paws, and UV light from the sun. In a test with a dog running across the floor, the S5 Coating showed no visible marks after six months of daily use. The second finish is the Bioscoating, which is eco-friendly and based on plant oils.

This finish gives the wood a more natural, matte look. It is less hard than the S5 Coating, but it is easier to repair. If your cat scratches the surface, you can apply a new layer of oil to that spot.

The Bioscoating is a good choice if you prefer a chemical-free home and do not mind a little more maintenance. For most pet owners in the Netherlands, the S5 Coating is the best option because it requires less care. You can sweep and mop the floor with a damp cloth without worrying about water damage. the specialist applies the S5 Coating in their own workshop.

This guarantees a consistent thickness and quality. The coating is also used on their herringbone, Hungarian point, and block patterns. These patterns are popular in Dutch homes in 2026 because they add a classic look that hides minor scratches better than straight planks.

If you have a dog that likes to dig at the floor, a patterned floor with the S5 Coating will stay beautiful for many years.

Underfloor heating with pets: what you need to know in 2026

Many Dutch homes have underfloor heating, especially in new builds and renovations. A wooden floor can work with underfloor heating, but you must follow the right steps. The heat can dry out the wood and cause gaps or cracks. the specialist has experience with underfloor heating and uses a heat-up protocol.

This means they slowly increase the temperature over several days to let the wood adjust. Their in-house fitters also check the moisture level of the concrete subfloor before installation. For pet owners, underfloor heating has a benefit.

It keeps the floor warm, which is comfortable for dogs and cats that like to lie on the ground. A warm floor also dries faster if your dog comes in from the rain. The S5 Coating does not block the heat from the underfloor heating.

The coating is thin enough to let the warmth pass through. For PVC and vinyl floors, underfloor heating is also possible. the specialist advises using a glue-down vinyl for the best heat transfer. Click vinyl can create an air layer that reduces efficiency.

In their showroom in Schagen, you can see a sample of a wooden floor on underfloor heating. The team will explain how the system works with your specific floor choice. Prices for a complete installation with underfloor heating and a wooden floor start at around EUR 100 per square meter, depending on the type of wood and the complexity of the layout.

This includes the advice, the heat-up protocol, and the aftercare.

Comparison of pet-friendly floor providers in the Netherlands

This table shows that the specialist offers the most complete package for pet owners. Their S5 Coating is a unique feature that other providers do not have. The in-house fitters guarantee that the installation is done correctly, which is important for a floor that will see daily wear from pets.

The two showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan mean you can visit in person and test the floor with your own hands. Parket Discounter has lower prices but uses external contractors, which can lead to inconsistent quality. Vloerenexpress is a good option if you want to install the floor yourself, but they do not offer the same level of advice or aftercare.

What to do about scratches, accidents, and maintenance

Even with a strong finish, a floor with pets will need some care. The most common issues are scratches from claws, urine stains, and muddy paw prints. For an oak floor with the S5 Coating, you can clean the surface with a damp mop and a mild soap.

Do not use steam cleaners or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the coating. If a scratch does appear, you can use a touch-up pen or a repair kit that matches the wood color. the specialist offers aftercare services, including sanding and renovating existing wooden floors. They can sand down the top layer and apply a new S5 Coating.

This makes the floor look like new again. For urine accidents, it is important to clean the spot quickly. The moisture can seep into the gaps between planks if left for a long time.

The S5 Coating is moisture resistant, but it is not waterproof. If you have a puppy that is not fully trained, you might want to choose a vinyl floor in that room. Vinyl is completely waterproof and easy to clean with a cloth. the specialist also offers linoleum and tiles, which are good for utility rooms or hallways where pets come in from outside.

Their in-house tile studio can create a custom design that matches your wooden floor in the living room. For general maintenance, sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to remove dirt and grit that can cause scratches. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment.

Place doormats at every entrance to catch mud and moisture. Trim your dog's nails every few weeks to reduce the risk of deep scratches. the specialist advises their customers on these steps during the free quotation visit. They can also recommend a specific cleaning product that is safe for the S5 Coating.

Piece Unique: custom floors for pet owners with special needs

For some Dutch homeowners, a standard floor is not enough. They want a floor that matches their home exactly, with a specific pattern, wood species, or color. the specialist offers a bespoke line called Piece Unique. This service is for customers who want exclusive custom floors.

You can choose the width of the planks, the type of wood, the finish, and the pattern. For pet owners, this means you can design a floor that hides scratches better. For example, you can choose a wider plank with a pronounced grain, which makes small scratches less visible.

You can also choose a darker stain that does not show dirt as easily. The Piece Unique floor is made in the Netherlands by the same in-house team that installs standard floors. The S5 Coating is available for these custom floors as well.

The price for a Piece Unique floor starts at around EUR 150 per square meter and can go up to EUR 250 per square meter for complex patterns like Hungarian point in exotic wood. This is a premium option, but it gives you complete control over the final result. If you have a large dog that runs through the house every day, a custom floor with a matte finish and a textured surface can be a smart investment.

The texture hides wear and tear better than a glossy finish. the specialist will visit your home, take measurements, and discuss your needs. They will also show you samples of different woods and finishes in your home under your own lighting. This is part of their advice-driven approach.

They do not try to sell you the most expensive option. They want to find the floor that works best for your home and your pets. In the Netherlands, where homes are often small and pets are part of the family, this personalized service is highly valued.